Law Enforcement Technology
Associate of Applied Science
Overview
The law enforcement technology associate degree program at COTC provides you with up-to-date, industry-specific training that will enhance your professional opportunities and give you the ability to explore a diverse and rewarding career.
By completing this degree, you:
- expand your potential job opportunities in law enforcement
- gain hands-on experience with physical training and wellness, patrol tactics and more
- build a strong foundation for academic progression in law enforcement
Earn Industry-Recognized Credentials
A peace officer basic training certificate is built into the law enforcement technology associate degree and prepares students to meet the requirements of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and to sit for the state peace officer examination.
Future Start Dates
Admission Requirements
This is an open enrollment program. To be admitted, you must submit a free application for admission and complete the standard steps to enroll. You must be 18 years old to enroll in peace officer basic training courses.
In addition to tuition and fees, you are required to purchase and wear a uniform.
Credit for What You Know
COTC recognizes that college-level learning can happen outside of a college classroom. We value your life experience by turning it into college credit that can be applied toward a certificate or degree.
If you are currently an Ohio Certified Peace Officer, you may be eligible to receive college credit for the peace officer basic training courses with eligible documentation of current peace officer status.
Plan of Study
Associate Degree
Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement Technology
A “C” (2.00) grade or better is required in all criminal justice technology courses to proceed in subsequent criminal justice, law enforcement and public service courses and to graduate from the criminal justice technology program.
Total Credit Hours: 63.50
Autumn Semester |
||
---|---|---|
Composition I* |
3 |
|
Introduction to Criminal Justice |
3 |
|
Wellness I |
1.5 |
|
Human Diversity |
3 |
|
Quantitative Reasoning* |
3 |
|
Introduction to Psychology |
3 |
|
Total |
16.5 |
|
Spring Semester |
||
Technical Writing* |
3 |
|
Human Nutrition |
2 |
|
Ethics in Criminal Justice |
2 |
|
Constitutional Law and Courts* |
3 |
|
Public Administration |
2 |
|
Wellness II* |
1.5 |
|
Fundamentals of Communication |
3 |
|
Total |
16 .5 |
|
Summer Semester |
||
Subject Control |
2 |
|
Human Relations* |
2 |
|
Criminal Law* |
4.5 |
|
Administration* |
2 |
|
Wellness III* |
1 |
|
Investigations* |
2 |
|
Homeland Security |
1 |
|
First Aid* |
0.5 |
|
Total |
15 |
|
Autumn Semester |
||
Patrol* |
4.5 |
|
Advanced Patrol Tactics* |
3 |
|
Wellness IV* |
1 |
|
Firearms* |
2 |
|
Traffic* |
3.5 |
|
Driving* |
1.5 |
|
Total |
15.5 |
*Course may have prerequisites. Please check the course description to view all prerequisites and requirements.
The college reserves the right to change curricula without notice.
Published: March 2024
Program Outcomes
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of the Law Enforcement Technology program at Central Ohio Technical College is to prepare qualified individuals for entry-level positions as a law enforcement officer through knowledge-based learning, demonstrated skills proficiencies, experiential learning through structural simulation, and practical experience in an ethical and professional manner consistent with court decisions, community expectations, and federal, state, and local laws.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate competency requirements in entry-level positions as a certified law enforcement officer.
- Identify and demonstrate problem-solving skills that will correlate to those they will be challenged by as a law enforcement officer upon employment.
- Perform their duties in an ethical and professional manner with the highest regard for the United States Constitution and the rights of others.
- Develop independent and lifelong learning and work habits.
- Prepare to meet state requirements for state certification as a peace officer.
- Prepare to transfer to a four-year college or university to receive a baccalaureate degree in Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice after completing their two-year Associate of Applied Science degree at Central Ohio Technical College.
Transfer Options
Students interested in continuing their education to pursue a bachelor’s degree can consider transferring to a four-year college or university. COTC has a transfer agreement with Tiffin University for law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I complete the law enforcement technology program?
Students who enroll full time may complete the law enforcement technology associate degree in four semesters. Current Ohio Certified Peace Officers may receive college credit for peace officer basic training courses and shorten their time to completion.
Can I take classes online or face-to-face?
Classes in the law enforcement technology program require hands-on learning and are only offered face-to-face, so you should plan to be on campus to complete this degree. Some general education courses may be available and completed online.
What financial assistance is available to help me pay for college?
COTC awards more than $1 million in scholarships to students each year.
Every student is encouraged to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for grants, scholarships and loans. Students who complete the FAFSA are automatically considered for some scholarships. Other scholarships require an application.
See Paying for College for more information, or connect with the Office of Student Financial Services at 740.366.9435 or email NWK-studentfinancialservices@mail.cotc.edu.